The health and safety of young people could be at risk as it emerges schools may have to pay for a safe cycling scheme when funding is withdrawn.

Bikeability currently runs bike safety courses in schools, giving free awareness and safety sessions for children and young people. The sessions have been paid for by a grant from the Department for Transport but, following its withdrawal, schools may have to pay for the courses themselves.

Cambridgeshire County Council’s education and environment committee heard that charging schools was very much a last resort but that, if it came to it, schools may be asked to pay as early as September.

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Cllr Mathew Shuter said there would be plenty of local businesses who would be happy to help sponsor schools to keep receiving the training. He said it would be the work of a few hours to ring around to find funding.

The council is now looking to find alternative revenue streams and is hoping to avoid having to charge schools.